Celebration of 70 years Liberation of the Netherlands.
An very exciting period between 2 and 10 May! The people of the Netherlands have shown that they will never forget its liberators! Throughout the country the veterans were warmly welcomed. Everywhere large and modest events were organised.
Events in which RCL005 f.i. has participated with great pleasure:
2.5 Haskerhorne
2.5 Diever
3.5 Dalfsen
4.5 Holten
4.5 Lochem
4.5 Apeldoorn
5.5 Wageningen
6.5 Bergen op Zoom
7.5 Ieper, Battlefield tour RCMP
8.5 Posterenk
9.5 Apeldoorn
9.5 Arnhem
The upcoming weeks pictures and stories will appear on this website, but for now just a sneak preview:
2 May Haskerhorne Friesland. The commemoration and unveiling of the monument for Gaele Visser. The RCL005 Colour Party attended the ceremony and was warmly appreciated.
2 May Diever Drenthe. 7 men who gave their lives for our freedom. They left home in their planes, but never returned.
3 May Dalfsen Overijssel. An aubade to Honorary Member of RCL Jan Sievers. Totally surprised and knowing nothing the RCMP Pipes and Drums band with a full Colour Party marched on the yard of Jan.
4 May Holten Overijssel. Amazing! So many veterans who pay their respect to the fallen comrades who remained in the Netherlands after the War. Every year Holten is a very special memorial service.
4 May Lochem Gelderland. At the Clubhouse of RCL005 this day always a lunch is being served, after which a small ceremony is been held at the monument in the village.
4 May Apeldoorn Gelderland. In the evening there is a ceremony in the Grote Kerk in Apeldoorn, followed by a silent march to the “Oranjepark” and two minutes silence at 08.00PM. RCL005 is always present with a delegation to lay a wreath.
5 May Wageningen Gelderland. On Liberation day, with many water falling down from the sky, a agreement was signed near the tent of RCL005 between the Dutch Army, by the Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces, Gen. Middendorp and the Organisation Wageningen45, Vice President Van den Broek, to assure in the future the Liberation of the Netherlands can be celebrated every year.
6 May Bergen op Zoom Noord-Brabant. Many people present and with great interest the remains of Canadian soldier Pte Albert Laubenstein (died in WW2) were put to rest at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen op Zoom. RCL005 was present with a small delegation at the invitation of the Canadian Military Attaché, Col. Mike Hogan to honour an pay their respect.
7 May Ieper (België). The RCMP Pipes and Drums Band has made a battlefield tour to Ieper, Belgium, guided by members of RCL005 and escorted them with a Colour Party which participated in the march to the Menin Gate, at which the Last Post was played at 08.00PM.
8 May Posterenk Gelderland. RCL005 was invited by the local organising committee to participate in the Liberation festivities of the small village of Posterenk. The entire population came together at the local mill, listened to the sounds of the RCMP Band, speeches and singing of some residents and watched the Colour Party marching through the streets. A cozy casual, typically Dutch atmosphere!
9 May Apeldoorn Gelderland. The last day a farewell party was offered to the veterans starting with the Veterans Parade followed by a small party at Omnisport. Of course Princes Margriet and her husband Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven were present to wave them goodbye. Many a tear was shed. Will we see them ever again??
9 May Arnhem Gelderland. Farewell Diner to say goodbye to everyone who contributed to the RCL005 Liberation Program 2015. Thank you all!
Please visit our website again soon to read and see all the stories, pictures and video!
Photo album Liberation week